MANUAL PHYSICAL THERAPY
WITH A FUNCTIONAL APPROACH
Traditional Physical Therapy does not offer the personalization we once used to see in the clinics.
The importance of an individualized personal treatment and exercise plan is to reach optimal health and safety performance to prevent falls and live your best life.
Preventative Care
Pre-Op Education & Care
Surgery Decision Making
The risk of falls increases after the age of 60 by 50%
95% of falls result in hip fractures.
Worried about a Fall Injury?
AFIT TESTING CERTIFIED
Fall Prevention testing with a 6-8 week improvement plan & retest
Falling is the combination of loss of balance and failure to recover. AFIT( Adult Functional Independence Test) is a test performed by a certified Physical Therapist that assesses your specific strengths and weaknesses. You may not be experiencing any movement problems right now, but what if you are developing tendencies or deficits that, if uncorrected, could lead to future problems? Healthy living is moving efficiently, and you may need to modify your exercises slightly or start new exercises now to prevent problems that you weren’t even aware were on the horizon.
Testimonials
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I've had the pleasure of working with Mary since my first hip replacement in 2019. While Mary was originally affiliated with a Chicago based post surgery rehabilitation provider, I came to rely on her for all things related to my fitness and health maintenance. Since then, Mary has led me through rehabbing post my second hip replacement, just before and during Covid in 2020, and has been my personal trainer to this day. We have twice weekly video sessions that include mobility, flexibility, strength, and endurance training. I've always been impressed with Mary's preparation, creativity, and attention to detail. While she has a plan for each session, she is mindful of my preparedness and mood, and can adapt our sessions accordingly. In summary, Mary is a dedicated professional. She's pursued additional certifications in Pilates, is constantly learning to benefit her clients, and conveys a high degree of emotional intelligence and empathy, all for the benefit of those she serves. I can't recommend her highly enough. -R
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Mary South is a highly skilled, kind and compassionate Pilates coach and physical therapist. She has used insight and knowledge to help me by strengthening areas in which I'm weaker and to correct postural issues. After a major car accident my neck was nearly broken and she has helped restore range of motion and function that I haven't had in a long time. She has been a blessing in my life and I can't recommend her enough. Thank you Mary! -B
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I've worked with Mary for 12 years, and continue to be impressed by her depth of knowledge of the functioning human body! She has helped me through various sports injuries, two knee replacements and a shoulder reconstruction. I'm back to my athletic endeavors (tennis, golf, biking, hiking mostly), and turn to Mary for tweaking as needed. She is curious, always researching solutions for her clients. Truly the best physical therapist!!! -E
Services
Available in Midlothian, VA & home visits within a 10 mile radius
Physical Therapy
Evaluation and Manual Therapy
Pilates & Personal Training
Physical Therapy based Pilates and Personal Training
Preventative Care
Pre-operative care, Surgical Decision making, and Post-operative care.
Mary founded Live Better because she believes Physical Therapy should be a careful examination of motion, body mechanics, and soft tissue / joint mobility to determine what tissue or tissues are propagating pain or dysfunction. She has always appreciated a thorough examination from healthcare providers. This investment from her providers told her they were interested in finding a long-term solution and cared about ensuring she was healthier for daily living. Mary looks forward to doing the same for her clients.
With 30 years of experience in the field of Physical Therapy, Mary South brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and passion to her clients’ journeys toward better health and wellness. As the founder of Live Better Physical Therapy, Mary specializes in 1:1 Manual Physical Therapy and a Functional Approach tailored to each individual’s needs. Exercise isn’t generic and must be specialized and specific for each person. This individualized approach is the gateway to functional growth and strength for longevity. She takes a hands-on, client-centered approach to therapy, integrating the latest research with evidence-based treatments to empower her clients to achieve their goals.